Rapibus-Gatineau Project

The Rapibus-Gatineau project is a portion of the larger overall Rapibus
system that stretches for approximately 12 kilometers. The Rapibus
project includes 2 lanes for these 12 kilometers with one lane of traffic
in each direction. The projects sole purpose is for having a bus
rapid transit system that provides riders with high efficient travel. The
system includes 10 stations in which the Gatineau station is a prominent
fixture along this route. The system connects Labrosse and Alexandre-Taché
boulevards while ensuring service to the downtown areas of the Hull sector
and Ottawa.

There were a few challenges with this particular project. While completing
the design, a seismic value had to be accounted for as the Gatineau area
generates a seismic value of a/g = 0.20. The second design constraint
that had to be intricately designed for was the overall design life of
the project and large surcharge anticipated. This particular project
had a required design life of 120 years and a live load of 100 kPa from
a Cooper 90 train, so special consideration had to be applied during the
design phases. Another aspect that bound the design and geometry
of the walls were the existing structures. The Rapibus system is
designed along the existing rail right-of-way, which includes existing
structures that encroached upon the area in which the Reinforced Earth
Company Ltd. (RECo) walls were originally planned for. These existing
structures were only uncovered and realized after the original design had
been finished so a recalculation, design and construction/installation
process had to be implemented. After adjusting the geometry of the
wall all while maintaining a high aesthetic appearance and factoring in
all of the new design parameters and limitations the wall was then fully
fabricated, delivered and installed.

As of today the Rapibus system is up and operational, carrying passengers
to and from their destinations along this 12 km, 10 station, high capacity
route. As well as implementing a dedicated bike lane for passengers
to enjoy a scenic bike ride from station to station that runs parallel
with the RECo MSE walls.